India-flagged cargo ship adrift in North Pacific

[December 21, 2009]  ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) -- A Coast Guard C-130 overflew a crippled cargo freighter adrift in the stormy North Pacific, and officials said the 28 crew members aboard were preparing to abandon ship once another vessel churning toward them arrives.

The India-flagged APJ Suryavir, a 740-foot bulk cargo ship, was being tossed about early Monday by 20-30 foot waves and winds reaching as high as 50 mph as it drifted about 540 miles southwest of Alaska's Adak Island.

Coast Guard Petty Officer Jeff Roberto said the private commercial freighter the Maersk Altair was heading toward the stricken vessel and expected to arrive there before noon PST.

"They had to reduce their speed because of the weather," Roberto said of the Altair, which had been expected to arrive much earlier Monday.

At that point the Suryavir's 28 crew members planned to abandon ship, the Coast Guard said.

The C-130 overflew the ship late Sunday and dropped a buoy to collect information on the currents and wind conditions.

Roberto said the ship appeared to be withstanding the stormy weather.

He said the plane landed at Adak Island and was going to make another flight to the Suryavir at first light Monday to more closely monitor the vessel.

"We've been in constant contact with the ship" via radio, said Roberto. No one aboard is injured and the craft is not taking on any water.

Roberto said the forecast calls for stormy weather at least for the next day.

Added to its problems, the Suryavir isn't carrying any cargo and that makes it more unstable in heavy seas. But the Coast Guard said it has put sea water in its tanks to add some weight.

The Suryavir ran into engine problems several days ago en route from China to the Columbia River in Oregon, but the crew radioed for help late Sunday morning only when the weather turned bad. The Coast Guard said it's not unusual for ship crews to fix their engines in calmer weather.

The vessel's registered owner is Apeejay Shipping LTD. Company representatives could not immediately be reached for comment.

Officials said that the company was working on sending a commercial tug to retrieve the drifting ship and a Coast Guard cutter was expected to arrive on site Tuesday evening to monitor the situation.

[Associated Press; By RACHEL D'ORO]

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